Enhanced Learning Credits (ELC) Explained

ELC pays towards higher-level learning — Level 3 and above — while you're serving and for five years after you leave.

It covers 80% of the course cost, capped at £1,000 per claim on the lower tier and £2,000 on the higher tier. That 80% covers tuition and VAT, but not food, accommodation, travel or course materials, so budget for those separately.

You get three claims in total and only one in any financial year, which runs 1 April to 31 March. That's worth planning around: three well-chosen claims go a lot further than three rushed ones.

The course has to be with an approved learning provider. Vocational and academic qualifications both count.

Who is eligible?

Which tier you're on comes down to qualifying service. The lower tier needs at least 6 years — or 4 years if you completed 4 years before 1 April 2017 — and the higher tier needs at least 8.

You have to register for the scheme while you're still serving. You can't register after discharge, and it's the single most common reason people miss out on this one.

Both regular and reserve personnel can use it. Regulars can claim while serving and for five years after they leave.

What benefits does this provide?

  • Financial Support: ELC covers up to 80% of the cost of a Level 3 or above course, capped at £1,000 per claim on the lower tier and £2,000 per claim on the higher tier. The 80% covers tuition and VAT, but not food, accommodation, travel or course materials.
  • Eligibility: Available to service leavers and veterans who have completed the qualifying service for their tier and registered for the scheme before leaving the military.
  • Wide Range of Courses: Supports a variety of courses, including vocational training, undergraduate, and postgraduate studies, enhancing career prospects.
  • Flexible Learning: Offers flexibility in choosing full-time, part-time, or distance learning options, accommodating different personal and professional commitments.
  • Recognised qualifications: Funds Level 3 and above, so you come out with something employers recognise rather than a certificate of attendance.
  • Long-term Availability: Regular personnel can use the scheme while serving and for 5 years after discharge, so it is worth planning the claims you want before your last day.

How do I apply?

  • Check Eligibility: Confirm which tier your qualifying service puts you on — 6 years for the lower tier, 8 for the higher — and that you are registered for the ELC scheme.
  • Register for ELC: If not already registered, complete the ELC registration form available through your unit's Education Officer or the ELCAS website.
  • Choose a Course: Select an approved course from the ELCAS website that aligns with your career goals.
  • Submit Claim Form: Complete the ELC claim form (ELC 005) and submit it to your Education Officer for approval.
  • Receive Claim Authorisation Note (CAN): Once approved, you will receive a CAN, which you need to present to your chosen learning provider.
  • Enroll in Course: Contact the learning provider to enroll in the course, using the CAN to confirm your ELC funding.
  • Complete Course: Attend and complete the course as per the provider's requirements.

Common questions

How much can you claim with Enhanced Learning Credits?

80% of the course cost, capped at £1,000 per claim on the lower tier and £2,000 on the higher tier. The 80% covers tuition and VAT but not food, accommodation, travel or course materials.

How many years of service do you need for ELC?

At least 6 years of qualifying service for the lower tier, or 4 years if you completed 4 years before 1 April 2017. The higher tier needs at least 8 years.

How many ELC claims do you get?

Three in total, and only one in any financial year running 1 April to 31 March. You can use the scheme while serving and for 5 years after discharge.

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Last reviewed 26 August 2026 by Brittany Belt, Co-founder and COO